Jhulta Minar: The Swaying Towers

In India, there is no shortage of intriguing and unusual architectural structures. While some are renowned for their complex and ornate patterns, others have a mysterious aura around them. In the midst of all of this, the Ahmedabad-based Jhulta minarets, which are constructed of hard sandstone, are considered nothing short of a miracle when they shake and sway when given a little push. What is the cause of the mystery surrounding the minarets in Jhulta? Let's investigate.

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Indian history books feature numerous architects and monuments. While turning those pages, it is not uncommon to see descriptions of superb and astounding feats of Indian architectural designs that are laced with mystery, skill, and awe. Sometimes it's the Mehrauli iron pillar, which has remained rust-free for centuries, and other times it's the exquisitely carved grand temple made of a single stone. Both of these architectural wonders capture the imagination and inspire a deep sense of respect for those who designed them.

The jhulta minarets, also known as shaking minarets, are Ahmedabad's crowning achievement. Jhulta Minar, which is a component of Sidi Bashir Mosque, is situated not far from Ahmedabad Railway Station. The two large towers are parallel to one another and joined by a central passageway. The Jhulta Minarets, a construction that is thought to be composed of sandstone, have a special flexibility in that when one of the minarets is pushed with a little power, the other one sways after a few seconds, leaving tourists in wonder and providing them with a one-of-a-kind experience.

The Sidi Bashir Mosque was severely damaged during the conflict between the Marathas and Khans of Gujarat Sultanate in 1753, and only these two 34-meter-tall minarets remain. They are connected by a central gateway.

These two shaking minarets are more remarkable for their architectural brilliance than for their historical significance, which has long astounded architects. Many people have tried to figure out the enigma of "jhulta minar" and comprehend their process, but the cause is still a mystery. While applauding its architectural marvel, it is only natural to wonder when and by whom the mosque was created.

Scholars and historians present two theories regarding the origins of the Sidi Bashir Mosque in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. A slave from Ethiopia named Sidi Bashir is said to have constructed the mosque under the rule of Ahmed Shah I, who founded Ahmedabad. The second story, however, indicates that the building came into being between 1511 and 1512, under the reign of Sultan Mahmud Begada. The mosque's Rajputana-influenced Indo-Saracenic design also strengthens its connection to the second storey. The two minarets, which are each three stories tall and around 70 feet high, contain balconies with exquisite carvings on each floor. Till 1981, visitors were allowed to climb all the way up the narrow staircase, but after that, public entry was restricted in order to preserve this marvellous structure.

The fact that the minarets are so close to a train station, as was already mentioned, and yet they don't tremble as the trains pass by, adds to the enigma. It is also thought that the building materials were made of itacolumite, a naturally occurring flexible sandstone. This was done to make the building earthquake resistant. The idea of building an earthquake-resistant mosque demonstrates the medieval architects' architectural foresight, scientific perspective, and calibre. Famous historian Rana Safvi asserts that the buildings' "earthquake-resistant construction gave them their swaying nature." It is important to note that jhulta minarets are not the only buildings with this characteristic. The Jhulta minarets at Sidi Bashir Mosque are the only distinctive remaining pillars that continue to inspire awe in the minds of historians and architects alike. Other minarets in Jama Masjid and Bibi-ki-Masjid had similar flexibility, but they have not survived. This ornate mosque was photographed by Grindlay Bank's founder, Robert Melville Grindlay. The vibration that is created in the minarets or towers, rising from the centre of the building by a modest exertion of effort at the arch in the upper gallery, was highlighted as the "most amazing phenomenon related to this edifice."

The mystery surrounding the Jhulta minarets continues to draw tourists and residents to the area. They are a beautiful example of Indian architecture and a must-see when in the area.